Crops and Forage
New strategy seeks to grow arable returns
Arable growers are taking action to capture more value from their crops, writes Heather Chalmers.
Growth in golden grain
Arable farming in Rangitikei runs deep in the Nitschke family history. Tony Leggett investigates what is behind a phase of rapid expansion for the family’s grain business and what lies ahead. Photos Brad Hanson.
Planning for success
When it comes to autumn pasture renewal, a strong plan underpins successfully meeting your farm’s feed quantity and quality needs.
Perfect silage starts with CLAAS
The right equipment combined with clever technology that gives you the ability to monitor and adapt in the paddock, as you harvest, is the golden ticket to perfecting silage making.
Cereals just the start of winning formula
A sustainable rotation of crops and livestock helps an award-winning arable farmer to maintain his soils and profitability. Words Heather Chalmers, Photos Peter Hewson.
No quick fix to eliminate crop weeds
South Canterbury grower Nigel Rathgen has had difficult-to-eliminate grass weeds in some cropping paddocks for a few years. Words Heather Chalmers.
Chertsey arable project a glimpse into future
A paddock in Mid Canterbury is providing a platform for the Foundation for Arable Research to offer a glimpse into the future of arable farming. Words Heather Chalmers.
Adding value with legumes
As nitrogen fertilisers are a substantial expense on arable farms, growers are looking to incorporate short-term cover crops and legumes as a way to provide an alternative home-grown nitrogen source to the usual bagged supply. Words Heather Chalmers
Optimising opportunity
Livestock plays an important role on most arable farms. Heather Chalmers of the Foundation for Arable Research talks to two Mid Canterbury mixed arable farmers about how they are optimising the integration of cropping and livestock.